Set a countdown and get notified
Our free online countdown timer helps you track time remaining for any activity. Set hours, minutes, and seconds, then receive an audio alert when time expires. Perfect for cooking, workouts, meetings, study sessions, and any task requiring time limits. This browser-based timer requires no installation and works on all devices.
Flexible Time Setting: Set any duration from 1 second to 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds. Enter time using separate fields for hours, minutes, and seconds with simple number inputs that accept values instantly.
Audio Alert: When the countdown reaches zero, an audible beep plays automatically to alert you. The timer display also pulses in red, providing both audio and visual notification that time is up.
Pause & Resume: Pause the countdown at any time without losing your position. Resume from the exact same point whenever ready. Perfect for interruptions during timed activities.
Large Display: The countdown shows in large, easy-to-read numbers (HH:MM:SS format). View remaining time at a glance from across the room during workouts or presentations.
Enter your desired time duration using the three input fields. Type hours (0-23), minutes (0-59), and seconds (0-59). For example, for a 45-minute timer, enter 0 hours, 45 minutes, 0 seconds. Then click the green "Start Timer" button.
The countdown begins immediately, counting down second by second. The display shows remaining time in HH:MM:SS format. While running, you can click "Pause" to temporarily stop the countdown. Click "Resume" to continue from where you paused.
Click "Reset" at any time to stop the timer and return to the time-setting screen. When the countdown reaches 00:00:00, you'll hear an alert sound and see "Time's Up!" displayed in red. Click "Reset" to set a new timer.
Cooking & Baking: Set timers for precise cooking durations - boiling eggs (7 minutes), baking cookies (12 minutes), or marinating meat (30 minutes). The audio alert ensures you don't overcook or burn food.
Workout Intervals: Time exercise intervals, rest periods, or total workout duration. Set 30-second work intervals, 10-second rest periods, or 20-minute full workout timers for structured training sessions.
Study & Work Sessions: Use the Pomodoro Technique with 25-minute focus sessions. Or set longer study blocks (50 minutes) with scheduled break reminders to maintain productivity without burnout.
Meeting Time Management: Keep presentations on schedule by setting timers for speaking slots. Ensure meetings don't run over by timing agenda items and total meeting duration.
Meditation & Mindfulness: Time meditation sessions (10, 20, or 30 minutes) without checking the clock. The audio alert gently signals when your practice time is complete.
Parking Meters: Avoid parking tickets by setting a timer matching your paid parking duration. Get alerted before time expires so you can extend parking or move your vehicle.
Use a countdown timer when you know exactly how long you want an activity to last. The timer alerts you when that specific duration elapses. Use a stopwatch when you want to measure how long something takes, without a predetermined duration.
For example, use a countdown timer for "work for 30 minutes" scenarios. Use a stopwatch for "see how fast you can complete this task" scenarios. Countdown timers enforce time limits; stopwatches measure duration.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method using timed work intervals. Set a 25-minute countdown timer for focused work, then take a 5-minute break. After four "pomodoros," take a longer 15-30 minute break. This structured approach improves focus and prevents burnout.
Our countdown timer is perfect for Pomodoro sessions. Set 25 minutes, focus intensely on one task, and stop when the alert sounds. Use the break to stretch, hydrate, or rest before starting the next session. This rhythm maximizes productive work time while maintaining energy.
Set Realistic Timeframes: Don't underestimate task duration. Add buffer time to reduce stress. It's better to finish early than rush because the timer expires.
Use Pause Wisely: Pause for genuine interruptions (phone calls, urgent matters), not procrastination. The timer's purpose is creating accountability, which is lost if you pause too frequently.
Keep Browser Tab Active: While the timer runs in background tabs, some browsers throttle inactive tabs. Keep the timer visible or in an active tab for the most reliable alerts.
Test Audio First: Before relying on the timer for critical tasks, test it briefly to confirm your device volume is sufficient and alerts are working properly.
For recipes or projects requiring multiple timed steps, open the timer in multiple browser tabs. Set different durations in each tab for parallel timing. For example, one tab for total cooking time (1 hour) and another for adding ingredients halfway through (30 minutes).
Label browser tabs by renaming them (right-click tab) with timer purposes: "Laundry 45min," "Meeting 1hr," etc. This organization helps track multiple simultaneous countdowns without confusion.
Cross-Device Access: Access from phones, tablets, computers - any device with a browser. No app installations or updates required. Start timing from wherever you are.
Large Display Options: View on big screens for group activities or across-the-room visibility during workouts. Desktop monitors show much larger displays than small phone screens.
No Storage Used: Unlike apps, browser tools don't consume device storage. Perfect for devices with limited space or for occasional timer needs without permanent installations.
Always Updated: Browser-based tools are always current. No manual updates or outdated versions. Access the latest features automatically every time you load the page.
This countdown timer operates entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is collected, stored, or transmitted to external servers. Your timer settings and usage remain completely private on your device. We cannot see what you're timing or when you use the tool.